Went to the Maryland Rennfest today(www.rennfest.com) and there was an American sword maker there called "Badger Blades"(www.badgerblades.com)
Badger swords aren't very shiny or fancy or cheap($275 - $600+) but I've never seen or heard of a stronger sword anywhere.
They told me if I shoot at the sword or chop up an engine block and it somehow breaks, they will replace it for free.
They even demonstrate the capabilities by chopping at what's left of a steel anvil on their table and all that happens is the edge gets a little dull.
I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it for myself.
Did a search on youtube and found this video where someone actually shoots the blade of one of these swords with .22, 9mm, and .45 caliber bullets. Believe it or not the only damage was a slight dent when they shot the very edge of the blade.
I bet few other swords on earth could stay in one piece after being shot like this. Just amazing to me....

__________________...the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.-MARYLAND CONSTITUTION-DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Art. 6

There was a Norse saga where two guys with a sword jumped a third fellow. They had to stop halfway through the killing to beat the sword blade back into shape with a rock, and then they finished the job. I'd say sword tech has come a long way.

There was a Norse saga where two guys with a sword jumped a third fellow. They had to stop halfway through the killing to beat the sword blade back into shape with a rock, and then they finished the job. I'd say sword tech has come a long way.

There's still a lot of crappy swords out there that will bend or break fairly easily and you can often tell which ones they are by how much they cost.
Personally I wouldn't trust any sword that's under $100.

__________________...the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.-MARYLAND CONSTITUTION-DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Art. 6

Ugh, I think I have one of their "katanas". I'm sure knife edges are find on broad swords but they don't work right for Japanese style swords.

They have some unique katanas, that's for sure. One issue I have with Badger Blades, seems like most of their swords are not very sharp probably because they are constantly chopping at anvils and cement blocks with them. Plus I guess since they are made to be used and abused they put a thicker edge on them rather than finer edges. They did tell me they can mail them out to the forge and have them resharpened for a small fee but sharpening it yourself with power tools can void the warranty due to too much heat which could ruin the heat treatment.

__________________...the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.-MARYLAND CONSTITUTION-DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Art. 6

Google weapon masters. I believe they shot at a katana and home brewed sword. Don't know who actually made the katana. I think mythbusters did one too.

I remember that Mythbuster's episode, I think they were shooting at the edge of the Katana trying to cut bullets in half. Never seen Weapon Masters before and can't find that particular episode but I still think very few swords out there can be shot on the side of the blade and still be functional.

__________________...the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.-MARYLAND CONSTITUTION-DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Art. 6

I remember that Mythbuster's episode, I think they were shooting at the edge of the Katana trying to cut bullets in half. Never seen Weapon Masters before and can't find that particular episode but I still think very few swords out there can be shot on the side of the blade and still be functional.

Wish I had the military channel, looks like a great show.
I hear it takes several people a few weeks just to make one of those Samurai swords in the traditional way.
No wonder they cost so much.

__________________...the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.-MARYLAND CONSTITUTION-DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Art. 6

You wouldn't want to shoot these swords on the side of the blade, that's for sure.

__________________...the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.-MARYLAND CONSTITUTION-DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Art. 6

Location: Holding the line South of Gettysburg in 2A-friendly Carroll County, USA.

Posts: 2,923

Bugei makes very nice quality japanese-style swords. The honey badger? Laughable fugly flattened crowbar renn-faire wasters. Unless you get a hell of a deal on a used one(or are knowingly just buying a through-hardened backyard beater), you probably shouldn't trust one that cost less than $1000 if you want a hamon / martensitic hardened edge. If you just want something to beat down water bottles, pool noodles and defenseless saplings with, though, consider one of these-http://bugei.com/raptor-series-perfo...na-150-ctg.htm
For about $250, you would have a sword that could do anything the honey badger could do and would at least LOOK somewhat like a Japanese sword.

__________________"Any nation that draws too great a distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools."

Location: Holding the line South of Gettysburg in 2A-friendly Carroll County, USA.

Posts: 2,923

Here are 16 links to real sword sellers, 8 American-made and 8 Japanese-made.
These are just Japanese and Japanese-style swords but there are also many fine smiths who make Western-style or other types of swords but quality ones are similarly expensive. If you are into those, consider supporting local guys=> http://www.baltimoreknife.com/products.htm